Popular DJs lead way in HIV/AIDS fight with public testing

Oct 08, 2010 News

As part of the preliminary activities for National Testing Week 2010, nine popular radio and television Disc Jockeys (DJs) from across the country on Wednesday confirmed their commitment towards the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS when they volunteered to publicly know their status.
In recognition of the great influence exerted by DJs over a large section of the population, particularly young people, the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) has engaged their assistance in raising awareness about the infection while motivating their fan base to access the relevant facilities during National Testing Week, which is scheduled for November 22-26 under the theme “Confidential and Reliable, Get Tested Now!”

We've been tested! From left, standing: Marvin Massiah of HJ Rewind, DJ Garwin and Selector Face of Slingerz, CMO Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, DJ Breeze of King Scorpion, Linda Moore (Insider Show) and DJ Casual. Stooping, from left: DJ Akillo from Stereo Sonics Int., Kester D from Brutal Tracks Entertainment and DJ Bevaughn from Stereo Sonics Int. Bail for trio accused of conspiracy to commit felony

The venture which has become an annual activity represents a successful public health initiative for the NAPS and Ministry of Health.
According to officials, close to 30,000 persons countrywide were tested last year.
This year, with the help of the DJs, who gladly volunteered their assistance, National Week of Testing is expected to see much more participation from the Guyanese public.
Among the participants of Wednesday’s activity were: Curtis Armstrong aka DJ Casual, Bevaughn Moore of Stereo Sonic Int., his wife Linda Moore, host of the ‘Insider Show,’ Seretse Mc Allister aka ‘Selector Face’ and Ogawe Hinds aka ‘DJ Garwin’ of ‘Slingerz’ Ent., Dion Marks aka ‘DJ Breeze’ of King Scorpion Ent., Kester Deane aka ‘Kester D’ of Brutal Tracks Ent, Marvin Massiah of HJ Rewind, and Akelo Elliot aka ‘DJ Akelo’ of Stereo Sonics Int.
Delivering opening remarks, Programme Manager of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat Dr. Shanti Singh reassured the DJs that there is nothing to fear about getting tested.
“It is not by chance that the theme for this year’s week of testing is “Confidential and Reliable, Get tested now!” It is a reminder that confidentiality and reliability will continue to be the hallmarks of every testing activity”.
She explained that a special sub-committee has been formulated to deal specifically with quality assurance.
Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, congratulated the DJs for their ‘bold action” in getting tested and encouraged them to broaden their messages beyond HIV/AIDS to include other public health issues such as alcohol and tobacco use.
Regional VCT Coordinator Trevor Mc Intosh provided group counseling to the DJs after which they were allowed to ask pertinent questions.
The DJ’s pledged their commitment to the initiative and stressed that they have already begun to educate their fan base about HIV/AIDS and sensitize them about the importance of knowing their status on their respective programmes.
Linda and Bevaughn Moore who took part in the activity as a married couple emphasized that “this is an enormous step we took.” Linda further stated, “My husband being a DJ and me being a television host; we are setting the example since we are fully aware that HIV has no face.” When asked to give a comment to young women that are fans of her show, she added,“know your status and remember that the only safe person you know is you.”